That's The Way It Was Ep 4: The History of Rugby League in France (Part 1)

The next instalment of 'That's The Way It Was' is here - it's the fourth episode and it focuses on the history of the game in France.

Episode 4: The History of Rugby League in France (Part 1).

If someone told you that France once dominated international rugby league, you would probably laugh.

But for more than a decade after World War II, France did dominate international rugby league. But there were some dark forces at play, which attacked the foundations of the game - eventually leading to a massive decline.

Can Rugby League be restored to its former glory in France?

Mike Rylance has written some fantastic books on the history of Rugby League in France, including "The Forbidden Game" and "The Struggle and The Daring" and he joins "Rugby League: That's The Way It Was" to help answer some of these questions.

1934/35 French Championship            

* 3 points awarded for a win - 2 for a draw - 1 point for a loss
* Some clubs were unable to fulfil their fixture list because of problems with the availability of grounds.

1951 Third Test Australia Vs France
(courtesy of www.rugbyleagueproject.org)

1954 World Cup France Vs Great Britain
(courtesy of www.rugbyleagueproject.org)

Hear more episodes of Rugby League: That's The Way It Was Stories at:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rugby-league-thats-the-way-it-was/id1478212559